Sheriff Curtis Brame

From Covid Ashes Rises a Phoenix of Brotherly Love and Support

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— submitted by Sheriff Curtis Brame

If anything positive can be said about COVID in Vance and the surrounding counties, it is how this pandemic has brought groups of people together and true brotherhood has come shining through. Henderson lost two beloved officers due to complications from COVID. Captain Mike Davis of the Henderson Police Department lost his fight in June 2020 and Master Trooper Brent Montgomery of the North Carolina Highway Patrol succumbed just a few weeks ago. Captain Davis, 67, left behind his wife, a son, his mother, a sister and two brothers. Trooper Montgomery, 50, left behind his wife, a daughter, two sons, his parents and two brothers. The two men served their communities unselfishly for a combined 50+ years.

First Responders, past and present, representing various local fire, law enforcement, EMS and volunteer agencies have united and teamed up with the Tri-County Shrine Club, formerly known as the Henderson Shrine Club, and several others representing local organizations to support the families of their fallen fellow First Responder brothers.

The group is planning a 3,000 plate BBQ chicken plate fund raising benefit. The event is set for Friday, April 30 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the physical location of the Tri-County Shrine Club, 210 Industry Drive in Henderson. This is an advance ticket, takeout only, event with all proceeds going to the Davis and Montgomery families. All donations and support will greatly be appreciated.

For a $10 donation your ticket will get you a plate with a grilled BBQ chicken half including 2 sides, bread and a dessert. Places with 10 or more ticket purchases can arrange to have their plates delivered to that location. Call 252-432-7286.

Tickets can be purchased at the following Henderson/Vance County and surrounding area ticket outlets:
1. Davis Royster Funeral Home
2. J. M. White Funeral Home
3. Sossamon Funeral Home
4. Skipper Forsyth’s Bar-B-Q
5. Sherman and Boddie Trucking
6. Granville Barber Shop – Oxford
7. Grissom Fertilizer – Gillburg
8. Cross Creek Outdoor Supplies
9. Boyd Automotive – Oxford
10. Kittrell Grocery
11. Eastside Barber Shop
12. Hwy 39 Restaurant

The Henderson Police Department and the Vance County Sheriff’s Office also have tickets on hand.

There is talk of this being the first and perhaps the start of this brotherhood group and community taking care of and supporting area First Responders and their families. This group’s conception is a phoenix arising from the ashes of COVID.

Vance, Granville 6 Percent Behind NC for Full Vaccinations

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Each year National Public Health Week, which is always celebrated the first week of April, has bookends, but the latest battle for public health workers hasn’t yet reached its conclusion as Covid continues.

Granville Vance Public Health Director Lisa Harrison, in a weekly email she provides like clockwork, wished a happy National Public Health week to staff and partners of GVPH. “This year, I think we all have a little more understanding and appreciation for the work of public health – usually we’re pretty far in the background fighting disease and promoting health. We’re not quite used to this much work at once, but are glad to be serving our communities in the way we are trained and experienced to do,” Harrison wrote.

She said the vaccine effort continues.  “Our hotline remains open Monday through Thursday and ready for calls to register anyone 18 and older for our upcoming vaccine clinics. If you have already had your vaccine, please find another person who may need assistance calling the hotline and getting registered. We are happy to answer questions about the vaccine. More about safety and effectiveness of the vaccines here: https://gvph.org/covidvaccines/,” Harrison wrote.

Vance County has seen 13,559 people partially vaccinated and 9,829 people fully vaccinated.  At the time of Harrison’s email Friday, that amounts to 30.4 percent partially vaccinated and 22.1 percent fully vaccinated.

Over 19,000 Granville County people are partially vaccinated with nearly 13,850 fully vaccinated.  The percentages from Granville resemble those from Vance County with 31.6 percent partially and 22.9 percent fully inoculated.

Across North Carolina, 40% of the adult population is at least partially vaccinated and 28.4% of the adult population is fully vaccinated.

Rec Sports Signups – Baseball, Softball, Football, Soccer

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Update 4-9-21 at 3 p.m.

Soccer, Baseball & Softball and 7 on 7 Football registration has been extended to Sunday, April 25, 2021. Registration fees are $40 for Vance County residents and $60 for non-residents. For information, please contact Darius Pitt at 252. 438.3408 (dpitt@ci.henderson.nc.us).

— submitted by Tara  Goolsby, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Program Superintendent

Soccer–  This is a soccer program for those participants who wish to play recreational soccer.  Youth participating in this program will gain soccer knowledge in rules and skills of the game. Registration begins on Monday, March 15th  and ends on Sunday, April 11th  Registrations fees are $40 for Vance County residents and $60 for non-residents.  For information, please contact Darius Pitt at  252. 438.3408 (dpitt@ci.henderson.nc.us).

7-on-7 2-Hand Touch Football-Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks Athletics will be having its first 7-on-7 2-Hand Touch Football League this spring. Based on the current climate, it’s a safer way for our children to play and learn the game of football, while getting the exercise needed for healthy child development.  Registration begins on Monday, March 15th  and ends on Sunday, April 11th Registrations fees are $40 for Vance County residents and $60 for non-residents.  For information, please contact Darius Pitt at  252. 438.3408 (dpitt@ci.henderson.nc.us).

Spring Baseball/Softball Registration- Registration begins on Monday, March 15th  and ends on Sunday, April 11th .  Registrations fees are $40 for Vance County residents and $60 for non-residents.  For information, please contact Darius Pitt at  252. 438.3408 (dpitt@ci.henderson.nc.us).

37th Annual VGCC Golf Tourney May 3 and 4

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Vance-Granville Community College’s 37th annual golf tournament is less than one month away, and VGCC Foundation Executive Director Eddie Ferguson said the event is shaping up to be the most successful ever.

There’s a wait list for golfers, and more than 70 sponsors have signed on so far, Ferguson said on Thursday’s segment of The Local Skinny.

He said the tournament has pledges of about $131,000. Last year’s tournament netted about $110,000. There are still plenty of opportunities to sponsor – $500 to be a greens sponsor and $150 to sponsor a tee box. Each of these sponsorships includes signage with the sponsor’s name, logo and phone number, Ferguson said.

This year’s tournament will be held at Henderson Country Club over two afternoons – Monday, May 3 and Tuesday, May 4. Proceeds are used to help students not only with tuition and books, but with other emergency needs that arise as well.

The tournament consistently brings in at least $100,000 that can be given “directly to students with these different needs and other initiatives of the community college,” Ferguson said. The support over the years from the community and the success of the tournament year after year is “a testament to the community and how they perceive and recognize and value the community college,” he said.

Employers in the four counties that VGCC serves rely on the college for future employees, as well as workforce training and other points associated with economic development. “Honestly, the biggest thing is that the community appreciates what the community college does,” Ferguson said.

Other sponsors include:

Title Sponsor – Gupton’s Services

Afternoon Round Sponsors – Altec and Killian Engineering

Health care Sponsor – Granville Health System

Scoreboard Sponsor – Rose Oil

Car Sponsor – Charles Boyd Chevrolet

Pharmacy Sponsor – Mast Drug.

Driving Range Sponsor – Wester Insurance

Soft Drink Sponsor – Durham Coca-Cola

Contact Ferguson at fergusone@vgcc.edu or 252.738.3264.

 

NC MedAssist

NC MedAssist to Henderson April 30; Free OTC; Pre-Order Now

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NC MedAssist is coming to Henderson at the end of the month and is giving away free over-the-counter medication. The event will take place at the Salvation Army, 2292 Ross Mill Road, on April 30, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., according to information from Sheila Kidwell, NC MedAssist’s director of foundations and communications.

Triangle North Healthcare Foundation of Vance County is partnering with the Charlotte-based organization to host the giveaway, which is open to people 18 years or older. Some of the medicines that will be distributed include cough and cold medicine, vitamins, allergy medication and first-aid supplies. No identification is required; however, all participants must wear facemasks.

This is a drive-thru service only – all participants will remain in their vehicles and volunteers will deliver their medicines. Participants are highly encouraged to preorder their over-the-counter medicine online at https://medassist.org/mobile/ and select Vance County.

Online ordering will be closed two days prior to the event. Anyone NOT able to order online should come as early as possible on April 30, Kidwell said, because the medicines will be given out on a first come, first served basis, while supplies last.

“Due to the pandemic, we had to create a new and innovative way to continue serving the community. We will be bringing close to $100,000 worth of OTC medicine to the event to be distributed to those most in need in our community,” Kidwell said. “We understand there is a pressing need, especially in the midst of allergy season. Our goal in this partnership with Triangle North Healthcare Foundation is to improve the health of the community, one family at a time.”

If you can volunteer to help on April 30, please sign up at www.medassist.org/volunteer.

The medicine distribution depends on volunteers to ensure things run smoothly, Kidwell said. Community volunteers will help with pharmacy consultations, as well as sorting medicines and collecting medicines for clients.

All participants will receive information on NC MedAssist’s Free Pharmacy Program, which mails free prescription medications directly to a patient’s home.  NC MedAssist’s overall goal is to help ease the burden for those in need; it is aiding people who are making the choice between buying food and purchasing life-saving medication, Kidwell stated.

NC MedAssist is a statewide non-profit pharmacy that was founded in 1997. The organization provides free prescription medication to all low-income, uninsured North Carolinians who qualify for their Free Pharmacy Program. NC MedAssist offers three programs that address the needs of children and adults: The Free Pharmacy Program (for prescription medication), the Mobile Free Pharmacy Program (for over-the-counter medicine), and the Transitional Jobs Program (for individuals with barriers to employment). Last year, NC MedAssist distributed $76 million worth of prescription and over-the-counter medicine to NC residents across the state. Learn more about NC MedAssist right now at www.medassist.org. You can also visit their Facebook and Twitter pages, or contact them to find out how you can help.

TownTalk 04-08-21 History Of Franklin Co. with Eric Medlin

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Although a native of Creedmoor and Granville County, when Eric Medlin was inspired by a professor at NC State to write a book on a local North Carolina county it wasn’t Granville that he chose to write about but Franklin County. His book, A History of Franklin County North Carolina, has recently been published by Acadia Publishing.

Medlin’s interest in history didn’t begin at the local level. He studied European history at both UNC and NC State. His interest in that particular area of history, however, would change. “Coming out of grad school I decided European History was not where I wanted to go,” Medlin said. He began to take weekend trips throughout North Carolina to visit county courthouses and became interested in the history of North Carolina’s counties. Medlin noted several reasons to write about Franklin County. One reason was because it had been forty years since a book on the county had been written, the beautiful churches in Louisburg and Laurel Mill. According to Medlin, “Franklin County captured my imagination.”

Medlin said the process of writing the first word to the moment it was submitted to the publisher took about a year. With access to the Franklin Times, diaries of families, and access to previous books Medlin was able to pull the book together fairly quickly. Weekends were used to take photographs and he spent numerous days at the state archives office gathering material for this book. “I have no writer’s block,” Medlin said about the writing process.

Medlin said the most difficult decision in writing the book was what to include and what not to include. Earlier books by E. H. Davis and T. H. Pearce focused on different areas of the country history and Medlin wanted to update those earlier works to include more about the post-World War II era including Civil Rights and county’s evolution through the 20th century. He also felt it important to talk about Louisburg writer and poet Edwin Wiley Fuller and Franklin County being the site of the last battle of the Tuscarora war.

When not writing Eric is a Professor of History at Wake Tech. Medlin’s next book project will focus on the history of the North Carolina Furniture industry.

“A History of Franklin County, North Carolina” can be purchased from any local bookseller and online.

For complete details and audio click play.

 

Vance County Logo

Vance County Employee Satisfaction Survey Conducted in Dec. and Jan.

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Vance County commissioners got an update Monday regarding results from a recent employee satisfaction survey. Although there are some positive takeaways from the survey results – valuing diversity and general job satisfaction – the board’s Human Resources Committee has identified several priorities for follow-up attention.

County Manager Jordan McMillen said 70 percent of the county’s employees responded to the online survey, which was conducted in December 2020 and January 2021. The UNC School of Government, which facilitated the survey, reported that the results were “typical of government organizations that are early in the organizational development process,” McMillen told WIZS News.

“On the positive side our employees identify very well with the organization, they feel good about the level of teamwork shared across and within departments and generally employees feel good and are satisfied with their jobs,” he said.

But other employees said they feel “emotionally drained” from the work they do and turnover is higher in some departments than others, he noted. “We intend to bring the School of Government back in to take deeper dives into some of the negative areas,” McMillen added. Among the more negative comments from the respondents were  “organizational silence” and “workplace incivility.” McMillen said. Public safety and human services (Department of Social Services) respondents accounted for most of the negative results, he added.

The Human Resources Committee members Carolyn Faines, Archie B. Taylor Jr. and Gordon Wilder met on Mar. 30 to review staff recommendations for priorities and agreed to begin with workplace incivility and organizational silence. The committee also decided to revise a third issue to only include morale/burnout/emotional toll of work, McMillen said.

“We want employees to feel comfortable speaking up if they have ideas and want to ensure our employees feel their ideas are given the attention that is needed, McMillen said.

“As we strive for creativity from our employees, we want them to feel comfortable sharing ideas that can lead to improvements for our county and citizens.”

County staff will coordinate with the school of government to organize small groups of employees that will examine the priority areas and report back to the committee with recommendations later this year.

Creedmoor’s New Community Center Opens April 28

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Creedmoor’s new community center will be officially open for business on April 28, just one day after it celebrates the new facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The ribbon-cutting will be April 27 at 7 p.m.

The Creedmoor Community Center is part renovated building and part new recreational facility that provides space for the city’s community events and programs, according to Angie Perry, city recreation and events coordinator.

“We are thrilled to open the Creedmoor Community Center to the public,” Perry said.  “It has been a long year without recreational events and programs. We can’t wait to bring the community back together in this new space.”

Among the indoor spaces is the Willow Oak Room, a rentable ballroom for community and private events, as well as flexible classroom space that can be divided into two spaces, an aerobic exercise room and a computer lab. In addition, it is the new home for the South Granville Senior Center, which includes a prep kitchen, administrative offices, and a sunroom leading outside to a deck.

The new gymnasium features a full-size basketball court, an open exercise area with gym equipment, an indoor walking track, and recreation staff office space. Just outside the gym is a partially shaded, paved walking track and a multipurpose athletic field.

A new recreation software program is scheduled to be in place closer to the official opening, Perry said, which will be used to sign up for all programs and classes at the new facility.

The project was begun in January 2018 with design work by Durham architect firm MHAworks, PA, a commercial architectural firm that does planning, architecture and interior design. The driveway configurations were changed to accommodate the multipurpose space, Perry said.

The newly constructed gymnasium portion is located at 108 E. Wilton Avenue. The Senior Center’s address is 114 Douglas Drive and the Willow Oak Room space is 116 Douglas Drive.